COVID-19: How Dubai keeps its visitors, residents and citizens safe

Revised protocols include PCR tests on arrival and increased social distancing rules

Published: January 28, 2021 12:56 Last updated: January 29, 2021 12:40 Nilanjana Javed, Senior News Editor

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Dubai has firmly set its sights on the safety of its citizens, residents and visitors. To ensure this is so, the government has introduced a change in travel protocol; from January 31, anyone traveling to Dubai will need a pre-travel PCR test. | Above: Pedestrians wearing protective masks walk through the La Mer development, operated by Meraas Holding LLC, in Dubai, UAE, on January 27, 2021. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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The changes come with news of a coronavirus variant that has proved more transmissible and an uptick in COVID-19 numbers that comes from flouting the rules set earlier. Thus, violators will now face more stringent repercussions. | Above: Tourists wearing protective masks walk through the Souk Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Image Credit: Christopher Pike/Bloomberg

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Additional precautionary measures include social distancing guidelines to be revised; cafes and eateries for instance must keep a three-metre distance between tables as opposed to the two-metres that was prescribed before. | Above: A man wearing a protective mask positions social distancing floor signs at a Watson's store in the Dubai Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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That doesn't mean the emirate is cutting down on fun activities such as surfing (pictured) or movies, there's just been a revamp in protocol to keep everyone safer. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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Keep an eye out on the roads, pavements and insides of shops for stickers (such as the one pictured above) that will indicate the correct distance that must be maintained at any given time. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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One of the easiest ways we can protect ourselves is by not abandoning caution - or masks.| Above: Tourists wearing protective masks walk near the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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One of the places that must been seen is a 200-year-old fort in Dubai, called Al Fahidi. Guided tours - of small groups that comply with a precautionary framework - are available here. | Above: A man walks along the historical neighborhood in old Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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As per the new rules, visitors and residents arriving in Dubai must download the Al Hosn app to be updated about their on-arrival COVID-19 tests. It is required that passengers should quarantine themselves until the test result comes in and is negative.| Above: A pedestrian wearing a protective face mask walks past Al Fahidi historical neighborhood in old Dubai. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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UAE residents take care to wear masks while going about their daily work. | Above: A cyclist wearing a protective face mask rides through the Al Ras district of Deira in old Dubai. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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A sign reminds passengers about social distancing on a water taxi, also known as an abra, on the creek in old Dubai. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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Commuters wearing protective face masks board a water taxi, also known as an abra, on the creek in old Dubai. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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Sun, sand and social distancing are the needs of the hour. Image Credit: Bloomberg

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